SEASON AT A GLANCE
GAME ON SAT 20 JUL - SUN 1 SEP
MUSIC
JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET SAT 14 SEP
THE GUY IN THE LUGGAGE RACK THU 22 AUG
AN AMERICAN IN LUTON THU 26 SEP
MR SLEEPYBUM SAT 26 OCT
SOFT OR SPIKY FRI 1 NOV
THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE SAT 26 OCT
FUNNY
THU 7 NOV
THE
MUMMY
STILL BOOKING
A KICK UP THE EIGHTIES
13 JUL / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£10 Advance/£12 On the Door, 18+
MUSIC
JAZZ ORIENT WITH BALUJI SHRIVASTAV OBE
19 JUL / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£15, Suitable for all but guidance of 12+ due to length of performance
THE CHAOS THAT HAS BEEN AND WILL NO DOUBT RETURN
WED 17 & THU 18 JUL / 7.30PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre / £12, £10 conc, 12+
NGYT DOUBLE BILL SHOWCASE
27 & 28 JUL / 7.30 PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£12/£10concession, 14+
BUTE STREET FESTIVAL
THU 1 AUG & FRI 2 AUG / 5PM - 12PM SAT 3 AUG / 12PM - 10PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£12 Adult or £24 for all 3 days
£10 Concession or £18 for all 3 days, 14+
KADAM DANCE
AT STOCKWOOD QUANTUMTHEATRE
JULY & AUGUST 2024
Collie-dog, Kep, puts two and two together, but will he be in time to rescue Jemima from her fate?
SUNDOWN CINEMA KIDS
Stockwood Discovery Centre
£11 adult / £5.50 child, £1.50 for under 2
All ages
SUPER MARIO BROS
WED 31 JUL / 11AM
WONKA
WED 31 JUL / 3PM
STOCKWOOD GARDEN PARTY
TUE 6, WED 7, THU 8 AUG / 11AM - 3PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Free, All ages
Embark on an enchanting journey through the hidden corners of Stockwood Discovery Centre. Stroll through lush lawns and meander among the trees to find a whimsical garden party that promises joy for the whole family!
TAPE THAT
THU 15 AUG / 11.30AM & 2PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
£7, All ages
Tape That is a charming, light-hearted, non-verbal acrobatic duet. Two performers construct a visual world using colourful tape, object manipulation and partner acrobatics. A simple roll of tape transforms from DJ decks to a spyglass, and is stretched to create physical barriers and obstacles for the performers to navigate.
THE GUY IN THE LUGGAGE RACK
THU 22 AUG / 1PM & 3PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
£9, 8+
The Guy In The Luggage Rack is an aerial theatre show about grief, memory and relationship. This narrative show combines physical comedy with striking aerial acrobatics and is the debut live show from She Said Jump.
DAYDREAMERS BY FULL HOUSE
THU 29 AUG / 11.30AM, 1.30PM & 2.30PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre,
£7, 5+
Day Dreamers is a hilarious interactive audio experience for children (5+) & their families, inspired by the dreams and imaginations of primary aged school children. Day Dreamers Inc. is the brainchild of our fictional character Imogen Stretcher - winner of the In your Dreams Inspirational Woman of the Year Award 2024! Audiences take part in Imogen’s 3 step programme & learn how to stretch their Imaginations to the MAX!
STOCKWOOD DISCOVERY TRAIL
OPENING FROM MAY
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Free Embark on an adventure with us as you explore our gardens on a free nature trail. Discover all 12 rubbing posts scattered throughout the lush greenery and delve into captivating insights about the diverse wildlife inhabiting Stockwood Discovery Centre and its surroundings. Immerse yourself in the serenity of our expansive gardens while unravelling the wonders of nature!
SEPTEMBER
UTTER! LUTONIA
THU 5 SEP / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£5 adult/£3 conc, 16+
Each UTTER! Lutonia is slightly different but just as full of warmth, joy, challenge, ideas, glorious people and wonderful words. This is a place where divides drop, connections are sparked, words and ideas cross-fertilise and nobody is nobody. Line-Up: Mp Yamfam, Cielle, Kat All That, Paul Furmanski, Clive Gresswell & Sticky Beats.
KANE BROWN: DON’T LISTEN TO ME
FRI 13 SEP / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£15, 18+
Following a sold out show in June Kane Brown comes back to Luton this Autumn. Fearlessly hilarious delivery combined with honesty and sincerity. Kane Brown is 19 years in the game, has performed around the world, has opened for Guz Khan on his UK Tour, can be seen on Man Like Mobeen (Netflix), Deepfake (Channel 4), She’s the One (Amazon) and heard on his hit Podcast.
THE JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET
SAT 14 SEP / 8.15PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£25 advance/£30 on door, 18+
If you’re a fan of groovy tunes, energetic performances, and a blend of jazz, funk, and soul, catching the James Taylor Quartet (JTQ) live is an experience you won’t want to miss.
NOASIS
SAT 21 SEP / 8.15PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£16 Advance/£18.50 on door, 18+
Vinyl Revelations and Masterplan in conjunction with Culture Trust Luton proudly presents: NOASIS - The Definitive Oasis tribute band. Widely considered the world’s premier Oasis tribute band, Noasis make their return to Luton after selling out shows all around the UK.
LEE NELSON
VINYL REVELATIONS
VINYL REVELATIONS PRESENTS
AN AMERICAN IN LUTON
THU 26 SEP / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£12, 12+
Festival and radio regular John Hegley returns with a story of family, fantasy, love, loss - and the long unseen son’s stamp album. A Caravaggio and a wry dry stone-waller are also thrown into the mixture. The show contains a good deal of yet-to-be-published material alongside some back catalogue favourites.
WIFI WARS
SAT 28 SEP / 3PM & 7PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£10, Matinee suitable for ages 6+
Evening suitable for ages 12+
The live comedy game show where you play along! Log in with your smartphone/tablet and compete in games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes! Hosted by comedian Steve McNeil.
KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN: PEACOCK
SAT 28 SEP / 7.30PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£16 Adult/£14 Conc, 15+
Star of Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You and QI Kiri Pritchard-McLean is back with a brand new tour, her funniest and most personal to date. Prepare for a joyous and uplifting show from a comedian known for making “powerhouse stand-up from the thorniest of subjects” - The Guardian.
JOHN HEGLEY
WIFI WARS LTD
OCTOBER
UK SUBS
FRI 4 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£25 Adv/£30 on door, 18+
With the Subs not touring anymore each individual show becomes a real rare event. The band are back at the intimate Hat Factory in Luton. A cracking venue with a top sound system. Easy to get to. One minute walk from Luton Central train station. 22 minutes from St Pancras/Kings Cross. Busway opposite the venue. Sure to sell out in advance. Get your tickets sorted early!
JEFF INNOCENT: SMART CASUAL
THU 10 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£18.50, 16+
Following a sold out show in February Jeff Innocent returns with Smart Casual! Bringing his unique and hilarious cultural insights on the road for the first time in a career that has spanned almost three decades and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest living comedians the country has to offer.
TEZ ILYAS: AFTER EIGHT
SAT 12 & THU 24 OCT / 7.30PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£25 Adult/£20 conc, 16+
A lot has changed in the last two years for Tez. He got married, he bought a house, and he’s became a stepdad... to two rabbits. Trying to make sense of his new life, the changing world around us and wrestling the big questions, like: why is Lotus Biscoff in everything now?
VINYL REVELATIONS LTD
OCTOBER
SKYDIVER
FRI 18 & SAT 19 OCT / 11AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£9, Ages 3-5
Prepare to soar through the fluffy clouds where flocks of birds and butterflies flutter. Explore the dream-like world that waits above us, in this multi-sensory dance experience for families. Take your little ones on a magical journey with Skydiver and experience how movement, sound and stunning visuals bring whimsical characters to life in an enchanting encounter in the skies.
THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY
SAT 19 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£18.50, 16+
Billy Rowan aka The Undercover Hippy has been performing at festivals since 2008, working his way up from being a solo singersongwriter playing in small marquee stages, to now having a full band of incredible musicians and playing main-stages at some of the UK’s best independent festivals. The band have been regulars at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Electric Picnic, Eden Festival in Scotland and Beautiful Days, plus many more around the UK and Europe.
BUTE STREET FILM SCREENING & Q&A
31 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£5, 16+
Join Bute Street Fesrival, one of our Factory Associates, in an evening of short art films and rich discussion around some of the creative themes and inspirations from the films; Dear Diary: A letter to my old selves written and directed by Clémntine Decremps with Ruby Wilson and An Ode to Procrastination by Aleksandra Kingo.
BUTE STREET FESTIVAL
OCTOBER HALF-TERM
MR SLEEPYBUM
SAT 26 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre, £9, 3-8 years old
Do you have stupid and silly dreams at night? Well, Mr. Sleepybum does, and he’s going to reenact them all for you in this high-energy, silly comedy show for the whole family.
THE GREAT BIG DINOSAUR SHOW
MON 28 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£9, aimed at families and young audiences of 3-11 years old
Join poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko for a family show full of poems, raps and songs about all your favourite prehistoric protagonists (and some you haven’t heard of yet!). Expect some spine-tinglingly funny scares and get your groove on to some Jurassic Classics! The show is inspired by Simon Mole’s 4th book; A First Book of Dinosaurs.
POLAR PUPPETS!
TUE 29 OCT / 10AM, 11.30AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Free - Only available to ticket holders of The King's Polar Bear, 3+
Make your very own PAW-some polar bear pal in this magical puppet making workshop this October Half Term. At the end of the session, you’ll get to take your new furry friend home with you!
ARCTIC ADVENTURE IN A BOX!
WED 30 OCT / 10AM, 11.30AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Free - Only available to ticket holders of The King's Polar Bear, 3+
Bring your very own polar paradise to life in this arctic adventure and create a wonderous winter wonderland filled with sparkle and shimmer!
HALLOWEEN FAMILY DISCO!
THU 31 OCT / 11AM, 1.30PM & 3PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Free - Only available to ticket holders of The King's Polar Bear
All ages
Join us this Halloween in spooktacular fancy dress, show off your moves and boogie to the beat at our frightfully fun Bubble Disco.
HALLOWEEN CLAY CLUB! WITH LUGUS CERAMICS
THU 31 OCT / 10AM & 11.30AM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£8 per child, 3+
Join Luton based company Lugus Ceramics to design and build your very own spooky character to take home with you in a fun and messy clay based session this Halloween.
SOFT OR SPIKY?
FRI 1 NOV / 11AM, 1PM & 2.30PM
SAT 2 & SUN 3 NOV / 10AM, 11.30AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£9, 6-18 months
This playful and interactive new show is full of shapes, sounds, textures and words exploring different ways to connect and understand each other. Inspired by heartfelt conversations with new parents, this humorous production explores the multiple ways we communicate, ensuring that no one is left out.
THE MARVELLOUS MYTH
HUNTER: MAD MONSTERZZZ
SUN 3 NOV / 11.30AM & 2PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
£9, 5+
Dust off your maps and strap on your jet packs–the Marvellous Myth Hunter needs your help! Travel to India, Russia and Greece as we track down the weirdest, wildest, wackiest mythic creatures ever to have roamed the earth, in our most perilous mission to date.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
UPFRONT COMEDY
UPFRONT COMEDY
SAT 5 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Upfront Comedy returns with an evening of high class comedy, featuring rip roaring and side splitting laughs from some of the very best comedians on the scene. Hosted by Upfront's regular host, teletubby turned comedian, John Simmit.
MUSIC
PROSPECT MUSIC CO
LIL JIMMY REED
FRI 18 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£16, 12+
Lil Jimmy Reed & The ‘A’ Team have presented a series of show-stopping performances over the last 12 years around Europe and North America. Now he is bringing his Louisiana Blues sound to Luton!
THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE
SAT 26 OCT / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£17.50, 18+
The Marley Experience, the UK’s No 1 Bob Marley tribute band, recreate the music and vibe of the late great King of Reggae Music. Expect all the hits and classic album tracks, including 'Three Little Birds', 'I Shot The Sheriff', 'Is this Love', 'No Woman No Cry', 'Kinky Reggae', 'Punky Reggae Party' and more.
STEEL PAN DRUMMING WORKSHOP
MON 28 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
£7, 6+
If you've ever wanted to learn to play this incredible instrument, now's your chance! This Steel Pan workshop is the perfect opportunity to get started - our expert will guide you through the basics of playing, and you'll even have the chance to learn a song. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to discover the joy of Steel Pan!
THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE
STEEL PAN IN MOTION
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
THE
PRINCESS AND THE FROG
TUE 29 OCT / 10.30AM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£4 each or 4 for £12
A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.
AFRICAN DRUMS AND RHYTHM
TUE 29 OCT / 11.30AM & 2PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
£7, 4-12 years old, child only workshop
Unlock your creativity with an authentic African rhythm and drums workshop. This energetic and dynamic workshop will get your hands pounding and heart racing. Running Time: 1 hour. Parents to stay with children during workshop. ALL ABOARD! SHIP INSPIRED CARNIVAL COSTUME MAKING
WED 30 & THU 31 OCT / 11AM, 1PM & 3PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
£4, All ages
Join the UK Centre for Carnival Arts for fun and creative ship inspired carnival costume making! Make your ship carnival headdress celebrating the 76th anniversary of the Windrush or walk the plank with a Caribbean pirate ship!"
MICHAEL ODEWALE: THOUGHTS ON SHUFFLE
FRI 1 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£16, 16+
BAFTA Award Winner and star of Live at The Apollo Michael Odewale presents his highly anticipated debut tour: Thoughts on Shuffle. In this show, Michael muses on how he's become a terrible role model, ended up running from girlfriends dads, and questions why he has developed stop and search envy.
NOVEMBER
SPECIAL KIND OF MADNESS!
SAT 2 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£15, 18+
Here’s the lowdown; SPECIAL KINDA MADNESS perform a truly authentic set from each band, combining the phenomenally energetic stage presence of The Specials with the wonderful iconic tunes of the Madness ‘Nutty Boys’. Playing a set from each band and producing a show that will have the audience up and dancing from the off, Special Kinda Madness will have everyone hankering after that exciting era of 2-Tone and ska.
THE FUNNY MUMMY
THU 7 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£14, Strictly 16+
Join the Funny Mummy for this hilarious one woman comedy show, all about the bonkers world of parenting. From pregnancy to playdates, WhatsApp groups to school runs–if you’re a parent, and you need a laugh, then this show is for you!
PAUL FOOT: DISSOLVE
FRI 8 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£16, 16+
Following a sold out Edinburgh Fringe run, multi-awardwinning and trail-blazing comedian, Paul Foot, is back on tour with the critically acclaimed Dissolve, his most personal, surprising and ground-breaking show ever.
MAKIN PROJECTS LTD
NOVEMBER
LUTON LITERATURE FESTIVAL
SAT 9 NOV
At various venues across the town
See website for details
Luton Literature Book Festival returns in October 2024 across various venues across the town. There will be a range of author events for children, young people and adults alongside some extra special activities including a discussion panel with our partners, SI Leeds Literary Prize.
HAL CRUTTENDEN AND FRIENDS!
SAT 16 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£21, 12+
Join Hal Cruttenden, one of Britain’s best loved stand-ups, for this special evening of hilarity!
AURIE STYLA: THE AURATOR TOUR
LIVE NATION LTD
THU 21 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£14, 16+
After a year of performing worldwide, award-winning comedian Aurie Styla is back on tour, with his biggest one to date. Join him as he talks about this wild world, and his journey to make sense of it, in The Aurator!
SELLING FAST
NOVEMBER
MARK SIMMONS: QUIP OFF THE MARK
FRI 22 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£17, 14+
As Seen on Mock The Week, BT Sport and ITV, ‘Master of one-liners’, and social media phenomenon MARK SIMMONS brings his sellout tour show ‘Quip Off the Mark’. This isn’t your average one-liner show as there is the running theme throughout. This year Mark’s parents have sold the house he grew up in and has to collect his box of stuff from the loft. Come discover what’s in the box in this top-level one-liner show structured in a way you’ve never seen before.
WRONG JOVI
SAT 23 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£15, Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult So, are you ready for One Wild Night of Bon Jovi hits, live favourites and rarities? Wrong Jovi will transform venues and theatres into stadiums for the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute show. Get your dose of Bad Medicine with Wrong Jovi“The Best Bon Jovi Tribute Band In The World!”
IAN STONE: IS KEEPING IT TOGETHER
THU 28 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£15, 16+
A masterful exponent of self mocking Jewish humour - The Times HHHH
One of the Top ten comedians in the UK - The Independent Seriously funny - The Guardian
One of the sharpest comic minds in the country - Romesh Ranganathan
RUSSELL HICKS: HAPPY TO BE HERE
SAT 30 NOV / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre, £16, 16+
Russell Hicks heads out on his first tour, but not his first rodeo. (Warning: This is a stand up show. NOT a rodeo.) Russell Hicks is here to stay and he really is happy to be here. So, why don’t British People believe him? Hot off the back of a starring role in an Amazon Prime show that nobody watched, and was cancelled immediately, American Stand Up comedian Russell Hicks, lives in the UK where he allegedly performs stand-up comedy. Naturally, his parents still think he makes his money through some kind of illegal activity, so buy some tickets and help prove his legitimacy!
RBM COMEDY
WRONG JOVI
WHITE YARDIE
THU 5 DEC / SAT 7 DEC / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£30, 18+
White Yardie’s brand new comedy special, he talks about him being from Jamaica and all the different experiences he has had. Don’t miss out on a great night of comedy.
DECEMBER
UTTER! LUTONIA PRESENTS...
THU 5 DEC / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£10/£8 Conc, 16+
Each UTTER! Lutonia is slightly different but just as full of warmth, joy, challenge, ideas, glorious people and wonderful words. This is a place where divides drop, connections are sparked, words and ideas cross-fertilise and nobody is nobody.
Check out the website for updates on lineup.
THE DEKKERTONES
TUE 31 DEC / DOORS 7.30PM FOR 8.45PM START
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£19 Earlybird, £23 Standard, 18+
The DekkerTones are an 8-piece ska / reggae / rocksteady / 2tone covers band playing authentic ska and reggae from the late 60's Trojan and Bluebeat scene right through to the 2tone era. Packing out venues around the region this mighty warhorse of Ska and Reggae play a set of over 2 hours getting the party started in the room every time. From The Skatalites to The Specials, Desmond Dekker to MadnessThe DekkerTones bring the authentic sounds that shaped the youth of Britain for decades. This is a night not to be missed! Come and celebrate NYE with The DekkerTones at the Hat Factory.
"The DekkerTones return to The Hat Factory for a party like you’ve never experienced this News Year’s Eve!"
LEE NELSON
FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITS WARDOWN
SELECTED DATES THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
£16 Child/£6 Adult / Multiple Times
Suitable for ages 0-10
A magical Christmas experience awaits the whole family at Wardown House, Museum and Gallery. Listen to a festive story from Miss Christmas, meet the whimsical elves, and receive a special gift from under the tree when you meet Father Christmas. Plus, you'll be treated to milk and cookies in our cozy café afterwards!
An epic polar adventure for the whole family
Made for 4+ suitable for all
7th - 24th
Tickets: £12 Adult / £10 Child
STOCKWOOD ILLUMINATED
“Great fun, brilliant value!” *
“Gets better every year” *
“Absolutely Brilliant” *
“Great
13 - 24 DEC / MULTIPLE TIMES
Stockwood Discovery Centre
experience, part of our Christmas traditions” *
£7.50 Adult/£5.50 Concessions, All ages
This December, we invite you to join us for our winter light celebration set against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. Discover Stockwood like you've never seen it before, as you weave your way on a self-guided tour through the illuminated pathways, set against the backdrop of the lush greenery.
COMING SOON
LUCY PORTER: NO REGRETS!
FRI 24 JAN / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£20, 16+
The irrepressible Lucy Porter bounces back into action with a show all about regrets. Frank Sinatra had too few to mention, but Lucy’s got hundreds, and she’s prepared to go into graphic detail about all of them.
TOWN MOUSE AND COUNTRY MOUSE
SAT 1 FEB / 11.30AM & 2PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£9, 3+
Join two friends as they embark on an amazing journey and discover that sometimes new can be exciting, and different can be good! An enchanting story from Aesop's much loved and heart warming tale told with puppetry, music and magical design, for ages 3+ and their families.
ZOE LYONS: WERWOLF
SAT 1 FEB / 7.30PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£17, 14+
If life is a journey, Zoe’s has had more than its share of potholes and diversions: from diving with sharks, to sitting in a shed in Vietnam with a former health secretary (and discovering that MPs aren’t the only parasites she has to worry about). Navigating the road to happiness can be exhausting and baffling. But Zoe’s been on that road long enough now that she’s felt a change – not as in the menopause. A real change. If happiness is ending up the best version of yourself, Zoe is finally getting there. She is where she needs to be. She is… werewolf.
JOSHUA BURNELL BAND
SAT 8 FEB / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£14, 12+
Joshua Burnell makes retro pop-rock for the modern world. His latest album, Glass Knight - which according to the Financial Times, "plays like a lost out-take from Spiders-From-Mars-era Bowie" - won over a lot of new fans upon its release in 2023. Expect hooky melodies drenched in warm, retro-synth textures, reverbing guitars, lush harmonies and words that make you think. Imagine The War On Drugs meets Genesis with “lashings of Peter Gabriel stylings,” - The Guardian
COMING SOON
MARK THOMAS: GAFFA TAPES
SAT 22 FEB / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£18.50 adult/£12 concession, 16+
Jokes, rants, politics, play and the occasional sing song. If you don’t know what he does ask your parents. In his time he has won awards (current total is now officially ‘f£%kloads’), forced a politician to resign, changed laws on tax and protest, become Guinness Book of Records world record holder for number of protests in 24 hours, taken the police to court 3 times and won, walked the length of the Israeli Wall in the West Bank and generally mucked about trying to have fun and f£%k the right people off. This show is more of the above.
JACOB HAWLEY
FRI 28 FEB / 8PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£15.50, 16+
HHHH Intelligent & important, his self-aware set sees him explore themes of class and identity in the modern world expertly - Sunday Post"
New stand-up show from award-winning comedian Jacob Hawley. Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and self-care for those who don’t care. As seen on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky1), Ladhood (BBC3), The Stand Up Sketch Show (ITV2), Secrets of the Comedy Circuit (ITVX). Over 4 million views online.
WITH UTA & EBDON MANAGEMENT
EVERY 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH
7.30PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£6, 16+
FRI 21 JUN
HL - Lateef Lovejoy
Supports: Marc Salmon, Matther Ali, Nicole Harris, Siobhan Dodd
THE COMEDY BAR LINE UP
Gather your friends for an evening in our Basement Bar with compere Jake Pickford. This season features many of comedy’s rising star’s including one of the hottest talents on the comedy circuit, Lateef Lovejoy. Check our website for future line ups.
FRI 19 JUL
HL - Joshua Robertson Supports: LJ Da Funk, Delea Shand, Madeleine Bee, Darcy Moreland
FRI 20 SEP
HL - Douglas Carter
Supports: Leslie God, Gary G Knightly, Matt Smith, Rabiah Coon
FRI 18 OCT
HL - Athena Kugblenu
Supports: Alexis Roy, Richard Stott, Geoff ALderman, Joe Bates
FRI 15 NOV
HL - Wilson Milton
Supports: Mark Flynn, Sam Coade, Kate Robb, Emily McQuade
FRI 20 DEC
HL - Blank Png Supports: Pte White, Dom LTR, Helen Prior, Barnaby Slater
PHIL MCINTYRE LIVE LTD COMEDY
Join the club! Handpicked titles for the whole family to enjoy, screened on a Saturday morning at the Hat Factory Arts Centre
WISH PG
ONWARD PG
SAT 21 SEP / 10.30AM
SAT 13 JUL / 10.30AM ABOMINABLE SAT 30 NOV
TROLLS BAND TOGETHER PG SAT 18 JAN £4 each or 4 for £12
WARDOWN HOUSE, MUSEUM & GALLERY
LUTON IN 50 OBJECTS
THU 16 MAY - SUN 20 OCT / 11AM - 5PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery Free, All ages
May 2024 will be the 50th anniversary of when Sarfraz arrived in Luton and he has been reflecting on the journey of his life and home town. It is this story, the story of Luton that he wants to tell through personal objects belonging to the people of Luton.
MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, £15, All ages
SUN 8 SEP / 2PM
BADDAL SE DVAAR SE NAZAR performed by William Rees Hofman Since 2013 – zerOclassikal has been platforming the composition of Asian classical music – showcasing experimentation, progressions as well as some of the finest talent trained in the UK.
SUN 20 OCT / 2PM
Soul Voice Performed by Penelope Spencer Renowned international Baroque violinist Penelope Spencer, celebrated for her exceptional interpretations of 17th and 18thcentury solo violin repertoire, has captivated audiences worldwide.
SUN 10 NOV / 2PM
RAAG JIDDHU performed by Jonathan Mayer zerOclassikal’s Artistic Director Jonathan Mayer explores existentialist variations of its structure delving exponentially into the rhythmic base to recover John Mayer’s Jiddhu UK written identity.
SUN 8 DEC / 2PM
Celestial Christmas - a solo Harp recital with Elizabeth Green Internationally acclaimed harpist Elizabeth Green returns to Wardown House on December 8th, offering a magical blend of classical masterpieces and beloved Christmas melodies that promise a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
MINNY STYNKER
THU 15 AUG / 11AM & 2PM
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery £9, 3+
Moving house to a new city where it always rains, Kit is alone. Making friends is always hard, but here, it feels impossible. The rain beats down on the roof and drips down the window panes, trapping Kit in the quiet stillness of their dingy bedroom. But, one night, when idly scribbling to pass the time, the swirls and whirls on the page giggle into a life of their own, and a very unusual adventure unfolds!
THE CULTURE TRUST LUTON
REGULAR PROGRAMME
SWIRL NIGHTCLUB
LAST TUE OF THE MONTH / 7PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£5 / Free Carer Ticket, 18+
Bedfordshire’s Biggest Disability Club Night! Each night features Live DJs, state of the art sound and lighting, fully flat accessible venue, with toilets, licensed bar, and much more.
BASEMENT LIVE
29 JUN / 27 JUL / 12 OCT / 16 NOV
DOORS AT 7.30PM FOR 8PM START
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£5, 16+
Join us for live music gigs in the Hat Factory on the last Saturday of the month, presented by Luton Live/s.
LGBTIQ+ SOCIALS
SUN 28 JUL / 20 OCT / 17 NOV / 15 DEC, 1PM - 4PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Free, All ages
Meet with new friends and old, relax and enjoy some time with other LGBTIQ+ people.
LUTON TRANS+ ADMIN GROUP
EVERY 1ST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH / 6.30PM - 9PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Free, All ages
We are a safe and inclusive space for adults who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender nonconforming. Our group believes in creating an empowering and supportive community that helps individuals on their gender journey.
ARTISAN FOOD, ARTS & CRAFT MARKET
EVERY 2ND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, 11AM - 5PM
Stockwood Discovery Centre
Free entry, All ages
Our monthly Artisan Market is a unique shopping experience held in the Mossman Galleries, which house one of the largest carriage collections in Europe. With a varied selection of hand-made crafts, food & drinks, there’s something for everyone.
LUTON LIVE/S
PARTICIPATION
NEXT GENERATION YOUTH THEATRE
REGULAR WEEKLY CLASSES MON/TUE/WED/FRI
STARTING FROM 5PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
We care. We Listen. We Create. We Are NGYT.
Next Generation Youth Theatre provide Theatre, Dance & Arts opportunities for ALL young people aged 0 to 25. Encouraging ambition, amplifying voices and supporting wellbeing.
Sign up to classes and try for free www.ngyt.co.uk #NGYTfamily
CLAY CLUB
SAT 21 SEP / SAT 19 OCT / SAT 16 NOV / 1PM – 4PM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
Adult £25, Child £12 or two for £18
Join Lugus Ceramics for a fun-filled and family friendly ceramics workshop! You will be provided a lump of clay, tools and basic handbuilding techniques to enable you to make whatever your heart desires.
BIG HAT FACTORY COMMUNITY CHOIR
EVERY WED / 7PM - 9PM
Join the BIG Hat Factory Community Choir and transform your Wednesdays into something extraordinary! We come together to sing a diverse array of songs, spanning pop, rock, reggae, soul, musical theatre, and beyond. No auditions required everyone and every voice is welcome.
WADDLE AND JAM
WED 18 SEP – WED 23 OCT / WED 6 NOV - WED 11 DEC
9.45AM – 10.30AM (PRE-WALKERS) 0 – 18 months
11AM – 11.45AM (WALKERS) 2 – 4 years
£10 per week per family unit or £50 if book a full 6 weeks
Join Waddle & Jam for a unique dance experience in Luton! Our creative movement classes offer parents and children the chance to bond and explore imaginative play through dance.
TALESHAKERS
MON 16 SEP / MON 21 OCT
MON 18 NOV / MON 16 DEC / 10AM
Hat Factory Arts Centre
£6, Ages 0-5
Revel, Rave & Rhyme! Join Taleshakers each month for a fun filled family focused session for children aged 0-5 years and their parents and carers. Our experienced Taleshakers team will take you on a 45 minute journey that combines storytelling, games and movement.
Announcing:
Creative Industries Network
HAT DISTRICT
a one-stop-shop for Luton’s creative entrepreneurs
The Culture Trust is expanding its support programme to help local creatives: from a database of creatives, networking events to commissions and start-up support – it’s all here at the Hat District.
CREATIVE DIRECTORY
All of Luton’s finest talent in one place. Looking for a collaborator for your next project? Looking to make it known you are open for business? Sign up for free on HatDistrict.co.uk
NETWORKING EVENTS
Starting in July, these monthly networking events on the 10 July, 14 Aug & 11 Sep will bring expert knowledge and allow you to meet your fellow creatives at the Hat Factory. Hat Works members get 3 months for free. Check HatDistrict.co.uk for listings.
CREATIVE PIONEERS
We are relaunching the Creative Pioneers Start-up support programme and we are looking for expressions of interest from young local creatives aged 18-34 with a idea for a creative business. We are offering mentorship, training, free office space and a bursary. If this is you – we want to hear from you. Send an email to: jakub.rokita@culturetrust.com with your idea.
All this and more at the Hat District! www.hatdistrict.co.uk
DIARY LISTING
DIARY LISTING
Hundreds of thousands of cultural engagements made possible each year.
Across a number of venues in Luton’s famous Hat District, the Culture Trust delights, intrigues and entertains hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. This is supported by an annual donation of almost £1.5 million from Luton Rising, the Luton Council company that owns the airport for community benefit. Indeed, Luton Rising is the leading funder of culture and the arts in Luton.
It’s part of our company’s incredible track record of success and capital investment in the fabric of Luton and local communities. Since 1998, we have provided more than £300m to support vital local front-line services, together with an additional £180m for community investment projects that have transformed the lives of tens of thousands of vulnerable people.
Read more at lutonrising.org.uk
VISITOR & BOOKING INFO
ABOUT THE CULTURE TRUST
The Culture Trust, Luton is an arts and cultural charity that connects communities through culture at Wardown House Museum & Gallery, Stockwood Discovery Centre and the Hat Factory Arts Centre and Hat District Creative Industry Cluster. Our museums are free to enter and we welcome you to explore our incredible collections and galleries.
Where to find us
Our venue opening times are as follows:
Stockwood Discovery Centre, Gardens and Museum, LU1 4LX
Free entry - Wed – Sun, 11am – 5pm
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery LU2 7HA
Free entry - Sun – Thu, 11am - 5pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre, LU1 2EY Open Daily
Hat Works, LU1 2NJ
Hot-desk creative spaceMon – Thu, 10am – 5pm
Hat Factory Arts Centre
65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY
Email: boxoffice@culturetrust.com
Telephone: 01582 878 100
With special thanks to:
What We Do
We are dedicated to giving everyone the chance to take part in learning, cultural events and activities. Your support will help us amplify our work, including:
· Widen community participation at our sites and museums
· Develop young people’s skills and talents
· Present inspiring and diverse arts
· Co-curate museum collections
· Grow Luton’s creative industry cluster and boost the creative economy
Designed by: Karen Pearson
This immersive journey unfolds across the decades, show-casing 18 retro playable consoles and over 100 playable games.
